The 2013 minor league season begins on Thursday. In the days leading up to the opener, I will be previewing the full season affiliates of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here is a look at the 2013 Indianapolis Indians, who will feature top prospect Gerrit Cole on their Opening Day roster. Lineup C -...

The 2013 minor league season begins on Thursday. In the days leading up to the opener, I will be previewing the full season affiliates of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here is a look at the 2013 Altoona Curve, who will feature top prospect Jameson Taillon on their Opening Day roster. Lineup C -...

In the last week we've been previewing the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates season. Below are all of the links to the season previews. Season Previews 21 Questions to Answer - by James Santelli Analyzing the Opening Day Roster - by Tim Williams Pittsburgh Pirates 2013 Opening Day Payroll Positional Previews The Infield - by Tom Bragg...

USA Today has released their 2013 salary database, giving us a look at the league minimum salaries. That is always the final thing needed for the 2013 40-man payroll page. I've updated the payroll page with the new numbers, and the Pirates will be entering the season with an estimated payroll of...

It's Opening Day, those two sweet words marking an event beloved by fans of all 30 teams. No more frivolous exhibition games or exaggerated position battles. It's a day indisputably tied to ideas of hope, but also to wondering and questions that will take 162 games to answer. Tom and Tim gave...

We've already touched on the platoons of Garrett Jones/Gaby Sanchez and Travis Snider/Jose Tabata in the previews of the infield and outfield, so for today's preview of the bench players the focus will be on Michael McKenry, John McDonald and Josh Harrison. Michael McKenry will be the backup catcher again this year....

There's a debate this year about whether the Pittsburgh Pirates have a quality bullpen. Some argue that the bullpen is very talented, with a lot of hard throwers who have put up quality ratios throughout their careers. Others point out the question marks. They believe in the "Proven Closer" theory, which discounts...

It should be an interesting season for the Pirates outfield. At one position you have a perennial All-Star entering the prime of his career with the weight of a fan base on his shoulders. At another position you have a raw talent entering his first full major league season and a potential revolving door...

I've been piecing together the minor league starting rotations, as well as the starting lineups. I've confirmed the rotations and the lineups with people in the Pirates' front office. There are still some things that could change, specifically in this case with Clint Robinson being claimed. For the most part things are...

I've been piecing together the minor league starting rotations, as well as the starting lineups. I've confirmed the rotations and the lineups with people in the Pirates' front office. There are still some things that could change, but for the most part things are set. Below are the rotations, and the lineups...